Africa-Press. The Somali army announced the execution of a planned military operation in the outskirts of Baidoa following a surprise attack by groups described as “outlaws” and militias allied with terrorist elements targeting the armed forces.
According to a local source, the operation resulted in the death of 50 militants and supporting armed militias, in addition to the destruction of military vehicles and combat equipment that were reportedly used to plan attacks against the armed forces and civilians.
The Somali Ministry of Defense stated that the surprise attack involved militias loyal to Abdulaziz Laftagareen, which it claimed had directly joined the elements of Al-Shabaab, considering this a threat to national security and the stability of the regions in the South West State of Somalia.
The armed forces did not disclose the extent of their losses from the attack but expressed condolences to the families of the soldiers who they said “were martyred while repelling the attack,” without specifying their number.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that it “will not tolerate any entity that uses weapons to achieve political goals or undermine security,” noting that anyone who provides support to terrorist elements or offers them cover will face legal action.
In another development, a local source reported today that the National Security and Intelligence Agency, in cooperation with international partners, conducted a planned military operation in the Buq-Aqble area of Hiran province.
The agency stated that the operation targeted a gathering of individuals described by authorities as “outsiders,” resulting in the injury of three militia leaders, as well as the destruction of vehicles and centers that were reportedly used to organize armed elements.
According to the source, other military operations targeted locations where militants were preparing for attacks, resulting in the destruction of five vehicles.
The agency confirmed that the National Security and Intelligence Agency has intensified its military operations aimed at “eliminating terrorism and enhancing security and stability” in the country.
Somalia has been engaged in a war against Al-Shabaab for years, which was established in early 2004 and ideologically follows Al-Qaeda, claiming responsibility for operations that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Since July 2022, government forces, in collaboration with armed clans, have been conducting military operations against the group, announcing the deaths of hundreds of its members and regaining control over strategically important areas.
